Oral Pathology

Aphthous Ulcers – Aphthous ulcers – commonly known as canker sores – are small, painful sores that occur on the oral mucosa (the pink tissue that lines the inside of the mouth). Read More

Apical Cyst – An apical periodontal cyst, also called a radicular cyst, is a mass of soft tissue that is characterized by having a fluid-filled central cavity (called a lumen). Read More

Biopsy – If we cannot easily diagnose a growth or lesion by examining it visually, we will often recommend a biopsy. Read More

Cellulitis – Cellulitis is a severe, rapidly-spreading bacterial infection that results from an uncontrolled infection in the gums, tooth pulp or root end (apex). Read More

Condensing Osteitis – Condensing osteitis is a change in the density of the bone that usually occurs as a result of a low-grade infection or chronic irritation to the tissue surrounding the root of a tooth. Read More

Dental Fistula – A dental fistula (also called a parulis or a gum boil) forms in response to an infection at the base of the tooth”s root (called the apex). Read More

Dentigerous Cysts – Dentigerous cysts are smooth, firm, soft tissue growths that can develop on any tooth that has not grown in (erupted) completely. Read More

Denture Hyperplasia – Denture hyperplasia is characterized by a smooth, tumor-like mass that forms within the space between the cheek and the gums (the vestibular sulcus) in response to chronic irritation caused by the flange of a poorly-fitting denture. Read More

Enamel Hypoplasia – Enamel hypoplasia is a disturbance in the tooth’s development that causes incomplete or defective formation of the outer enamel layer of forming teeth. Read More

Epidermoid Carcinoma – Epidermoid, or squamous, carcinoma is often characterized by rapid-growing lesions that vary tremendously in appearance. Read More

Epithelial Dysplasia – Epithelial dysplasia refers to microscopic changes in the cells that makeup the outer layer of the mouth”s lining (the mucosa), Read More

Epithelial Hyperplasia – Epithelial hyperplasia is a thickening of the outer layer of the mucosa (the lining of the inside of the mouth) and the skin. Read More

Exostosis – An exostosis is a slow-growing, tumor-like bony growth that is typically found on the outer surface of the upper gums. Read More

Fibroepithelial Polyps – Fibroepithelial polyps are small, round, knob-like growths that can form anywhere on the mucosa (the pink tissue lining the inside of the mouth). Read More

Fibroma – Most fibromas of the oral cavity are caused by long-term irritation or trauma, such as persistent cheek or lip biting.  Read More

Fissured Tongue – The top surface of a normal tongue is typically smooth, with a slight groove down the center (called the midline). Read More

Foliate Papilla – Foliate papilla are crescent-shaped nodules or ridges that exist along the sides of the rear of the tongue. Read More

Fordyce Granules – Fordyce granules are yellow or yellowish-white clusters of pimple-like formations just beneath the mucosa. Read More

Granulation Tissue – Granulation tissue is the fleshy new growth that forms on the surface of a wound as it heals. Read More

Hairy Tongue – Hairy tongue is a chronic condition in which the tiny bumps on the tongue’s surface. Read More

Hypercementosis – Enamel covers the portion of the tooth above the gumline. Cementum covers the portion below the gumline (the root surface). Read More

Lateral Periodontal Abscess – A lateral periodontal abscess is a result of rapidly-growing bacteria within a periodontal pocket. Read More

Leukoedema – Leukoedema is characterized by a widespread whitening of the inner lining of the cheek or other mouth tissues. Read More

Leukoplakia – Leukoplakia is a white patch-like lesion that develops on the mucous membranes within the mouth in response to chronic irritation. Read More

Lichen Planus – Lichen planus is a disease that occurs within the mouth or on the skin, or may involve both sites. Read More

Lymphoid Hyperplasia – Lymphoid hyperplasia is not a disease or a tumor, but simply a term we use to represent enlarged tissue masses. Read More

Microdontia – Microdontia is literally “small teeth.” When this condition is present, one or more teeth have shortened roots and are smaller than normal. Read More

Migratory Glossitis – The top surface of a normal tongue is typically smooth, with a slight groove down the center (called the midline). Read More

Mucoceles – Mucoceles, or mucus retention cysts, are harmless mucus-filled lesions that are most common on the inner surface of the lower lip. Read More

Nicotine Stomatitis – Nicotine stomatitis is a lesion that develops on the hard or soft palate of some smokers. Read More

Odontogenic Keratocysts – Odontogenic keratocysts are soft, slow-growing lesion usually found in the lower jaw. Read More

Osteosclerosis – Osteosclerosis is an abnormal change in the density of bone, not unlike a similar condition, condensing osteitis. Read More

Papillary Hyperplasia – Papillary hyperplasia is the existence of multiple small, merging pimple-like lesions within the mouth for an extended period of time. Read More

Papillomas – Papillomas are slow-growing, soft lesions that are sometimes caused by a virus. Read More

Periapical Abscess – A periapical abscess is an infection at the base or root end of the tooth. Read More

Periapical Granuloma – A periapical granuloma is a relatively common lesion or growth that develops around the tip of a tooth”s root. Read More

Pericoronitis – Periodontitis is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. It is characterized by an inflammation and/or degeneration of the tissues that give support to the teeth. Read More

Periodontitis – Periodontitis is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Read More

Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma – Peripheral ossifying fibromas are well-defined oral growths that contain bone tissue. Read More

Pulp Stones – Pulp stones are hard, bone-like structures that form within the pulp of a tooth, either within the crown or within the root”s canal. Read More

Pyogenic Granulomas – Pyogenic granulomas are painless, localized, spherical (ball-shaped) lesions that are most common on the gums. Read More

Recurrent Herpes – Recurrent herpes simplex is a viral infection that occurs repeatedly in individuals who have experienced the primary infection (usually a more severe episode). Read More

The Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco – Smokeless tobacco users are at high risk of developing the following: * Cancer of the mouth. Read More

Tooth Abrasion – Tooth abrasion is the permanent loss of tooth structure that can occur on the tooth”s cutting surface. Read More

Tooth Attrition – Tooth attrition is the loss of tooth structure that can result from tooth-to-tooth contact during biting or chewing. Read More

Torus Mandibularis – A torus mandibularis is a slow-growing, tumor-like bony growth that develops on the inside (lingual) surface of the lower jaw bone (the mandible). Read More

Torus Palatinus – A torus palatinus is a slow-growing, tumor-like bony growth that develops on the midline of the roof of the mouth. Read More

Traumatic Ulcer – An ulcer is a depressed lesion that results from a loss of the the outer layer of the skin or mucosa (the lining of the mouth). Read More

Trigeminal Neuralgia – Facial pain is often blamed on TMD – a complex disorder in the jaw joint (the temporomandibular joint). Read More

Varices – Varices are localized blood vessels that become dilated (or swollen), then develop into persistent, soft, blister-like lesions. Read More

Xerostomia – Xerostomia – or dry mouth – occurs when the salivary glands don”t function properly. Read More